Shoppers are being invited to say cheers to Fairtrade Fortnight (February 28-March 13 2011) by enjoying a greener bottle of wine at Booths.
Booths will host a series of in store tastings during the fortnight in a bid to promote Fairtrade wines to a wider audience.
Among the ethical tipples on offer is a sulphur-free Merlot from South Africa and an organic Malbec from Argentina.
Booths – which stocks more than 100 Fairtrade products in store – is hoping the promotion will encourage customers to embrace a wider range of ethically-produced goods including wine, chocolate and coffee.
Wine buyer at Booths, Sally Holloway, has searched the globe to uncork the finest selection of wines which benefit local grape growers.
Sally says: “Fairtrade wine is one of the most exciting and fast expanding categories in the wine market and the quality has improved enormously in the past few years.
“By enjoying a bottle of Fairtrade wine you really are helping to improve the lives of local growers and their families. That’s something to raise a glass to.”
Booths’ choice of Fairtrade wines also includes Stellar Organic Merlot (£6.12) from South Africa which is one of the few wines on the market that has no added sulphur. This means it is free from artificial preservatives which will help to leave drinkers with a clear head as well as a clear conscience.
Customers can sample a South African Stellar Sauvignon Blanc (£6.12) which boasts a fresh, citrus zing that makes it a perfect drink for spring.
From the same country comes Six Hats Cabernet Sauvignon (£7.29) – a rich, full-bodied red with a soft bramble finish - and Six Hats Sauvignon Blanc (£7.29) which has a crisp, vibrant taste.
Chile is well represented with Los Unidos’s Carmenere/Cabernet Franc (£5.60) and a Semillion/Sauvignon Blanc (£5.60). These wines are produced by a co-operative of around 50 growers in Talco and Los Molinos.
From Argentina comes Vinedos de la Posada Torrontes (£6.83) which is both Fairtrade and organic. Wine reviewer Jancis Robinson described this dry white as “the best Fairtrade wine I have come across so far”.
Booths also sells a range of Fairtrade coffees, teas, chocolate, spices, biscuits, tissues and sugar.
To earn a Fairtrade label, firms must pay local producers a fair price, and invest further to improve working conditions and local sustainability.
The Fairtrade mark is an independent consumer label which appears on products as an independent guarantee that disadvantaged producers in the developing world are getting a better deal.
More than seven million people – farmers, workers and their families – across 58 developing countries now benefit from the international Fairtrade system.